Ecclesiastes 1:17

English Standard Version

17 And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind. (Ec 1:13; Ec 1:14; Ec 2:3; Ec 2:12; Ec 7:23; Ec 7:25; Ec 9:3) 

New International Version

17 Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind. 

New International Reader’s Version

17 Then I used my mind to understand what it really means to be wise. And I wanted to know what foolish pleasure is all about. But I found out that it’s also like chasing the wind. 

King James Version

17 And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. 

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